What to do this Festive Season in London

Your festive bucket list for the most magical season of the year

We can hear you asking the question already, what’s on this festive season in London? As the days get darker and the air fills with the scent of roasted chestnuts, London transforms into a winter wonderland. With glittering lights, Christmas markets, and festive music echoing through its historic streets, there’s no better place to celebrate the season. Whether you’re a local or visiting the capital, here’s everything you need to experience Christmas in London 2025.

Step into Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is a must-visit. Running from 14 November 2025 to 1 January 2026, this iconic event has something for everyone. Families, couples, and friends can enjoy thrilling rides, the giant ice rink, and the enchanting Magical Ice Kingdom.

Visitors can also catch live circus performances at Zippos Christmas Circus, sip cocktails at the famous Ice Bar, or wander through the traditional Bavarian Village, where you will find delicious festive treats and warm drinks.

To make the most of your visit, book special attractions and ice-skating sessions in advance, as the park becomes very busy during peak hours.

Experience the Magic of West End Shows

The Royal Opera House, London.

West End Christmas shows bring the season to life on stage. Classics like A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic bring Dickens’ timeless story to life, while musicals such as Elf the Musical at the Aldwych Theatre provide laughter, music, and holiday cheer. Families will love productions like Peter Pan Goes Wrong or The Nutcracker Ballet at the Royal Opera House, which combine storytelling, music, and festive spectacle.

Pantomimes remain a beloved British tradition, offering interactive, comedic performances that delight children and adults alike.

Sing Along to London’s Christmas Carols and Concerts

Trafalgar Square Christmas Carols.

Christmas carols and concerts are an essential part of London’s festive charm. Iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall host grand orchestral and choral performances, while St Martin-in-the-Fields offers intimate candlelit concerts in Trafalgar Square.

Historic churches like Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral hold traditional carol services, creating a magical atmosphere steeped in history. Outdoor events, including free carol singing beneath the famous Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, allow visitors to experience the joy of the season in open-air settings.

Wander Beneath London’s Sparkling Christmas Lights

Convent Garden, Christmas in London.

London’s Christmas lights are a spectacle in themselves. Streets such as Regent Street and Oxford Street dazzle with angelic and star-shaped displays, while Carnaby Street surprises visitors with quirky, themed decorations.

The giant Christmas tree at Covent Garden, adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, is a must-see, and Kew Gardens’ illuminated trail provides a magical walk-through glowing installation in a natural setting.

Smaller locations, like Leadenhall Market, offer old-world charm combined with festive sparkle. Exploring the lights on foot or via a guided Christmas lights tour ensures you don’t miss any of the city’s most enchanting displays. Make sure to look out for the switch-on events, they’re fun for all ages.

Explore London’s Festive Christmas Markets

PWR Events, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Copyright ©️ 2025 PWR Events.

Another highlight of the season are Christmas markets. The Southbank Winter Market offers riverside stalls filled with artisan gifts and seasonal food, while Leicester Square Market and Winter by the River at London Bridge City providing easy access to central London’s festive delights.

Greenwich Market offers a historic and quaint setting, perfect for discovering unique crafts and gifts.

Visitors to Winter Wonderland can also explore its charming Bavarian-style market stalls, filled with festive treats, decorations, and gifts.

You can also find charming markets beside the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral and the historic Paternoster Square.

Glide Through the Ice at Iconic Skating Rinks

Ice skating in London is a quintessential Christmas experience. Iconic rinks at Somerset House, Hampton Court Palace, and Canary Wharf offer unforgettable experiences, whether skating beneath grand architecture or along the Thames with city lights reflecting on the water.

After skating, visitors can enjoy a hot chocolate or mulled wine at rink-side cafés to warm up and continue soaking in the festive atmosphere.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with London’s Iconic Fireworks

Ring in 2026 with a spectacular display over the Thames as London lights up for New Year’s Eve fireworks. Each year, London hosts one of the world’s most iconic pyrotechnic shows, centred around the London Eye, with bursts of colour illuminating the skyline and reflecting across the river.

For the ultimate experience, many visitors choose to book a river cruise, offering a front-row view of the fireworks from the water. Options include lively party cruises, like the London Rose Cruise with unlimited drinks and a live DJ, or more indulgent experiences, such as a three-course dinner on the Sapele New Year’s Eve Cruise, before stepping onto the open-top deck to watch the midnight spectacle.

Families and couples alike can marvel at the synchronized bursts of colour, capturing memories against the backdrop of London’s most famous landmarks. With spaces selling out fast, early booking is essential to secure a magical start to the new year.

From its glittering streets and historic carols to its world-famous shows and heart-warming markets, London at Christmas is pure enchantment. So, whether you’re sipping cocoa in Covent Garden, skating under the stars, or watching the lights of Regent Street twinkle, this festive season promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Plan your perfect Christmas trip to London with Book It Please.